More on the Class Action Lawsuit Alleging Lifter Failures for GM
As discussed earlier in this post from December of 2021, a class-action lawsuit was filed against General Motors (GM). The allegations discuss problems with the engine valve-lifter in the Buick, Corvette, Chevrolet as well as the GMC vehicles equipped with aV8 engine.
The plaintiffs allege that the active fuel management lifters, dynamic management lifters, and valve train systems in these vehicles malfunction, causing the lifters to prematurely fail.
In February of 2023, a federal judge sent the claims to arbitration for the class representatives, which is severely stalling progress in that class action.
Which vehicles are impacted?
The GM engine valve-lifter class action lawsuit seeks damages for anyone who purchased or leased any 2014 to 2021 Buick (see also Buick lemon law), Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC vehicle equipped with a 5.3L, 6.0L or 6.2L V8 engine, and include the following cars:
2014 to present GMC Sierra
2014 to present GMC Sierra 1500
2014-present Chevrolet Silverado
2014-present Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2014-2019 Chevrolet Corvette
2014-2016 Chevrolet Avalanche
2014-present Chevrolet Suburban
2014-present Chevrolet Tahoe
2016-present Chevrolet Camaro
2014-present Chevrolet Camaro SS
2014-2016 Chevrolet Corvette
2014-present Cadillac Escalade
2016-2019 Cadillac CTS-V
2014-present GMC Yukon
2014-present Yukon XL
GM Response? Not much.
GM hasn't issued a recall for valve-lifters, but it has put a plan in place to deal with the faulty valve-lifters by releasing a Power Component Coverage Letter.
Car owners who have had their vehicles repaired at least once for valve train or valve-lifter difficulties are eligible for extended warranties under the Power Component Coverage letter.
Unfortunately, GM's efforts to fix the engine valve-lifter problem have not been successful, putting many GM owners in a hopeless situation where they may have to pay out of pocket for the expensive repairs.
GM has also issued a TSB regarding the defective valve-lifters ito inform its authorized dealers on how to repair the problem.
According to the TSB , vehicles equipped with certain GM V8 engines may produce a service engine light, a misfire, and strange engine sounds. Furthermore, the service department is instructed to check for a broken valve spring and, if necessary, conduct a cylinder leakage test on the cylinder with the broken spring. If no leakage is observed, it is necessary to replace all valve springs on both banks if the vehicle is manufactured between June 1, 2020 and September 15, 2020.
Symptoms of an GM Engine Lifter Defect
GM engines, L84 5.3 V-8, and the L87 6.2 liter EcoTec3 V-8, with build dates between September 2020 and March 2021 use AFM and DFM, seem to have the most problems with defective lifters. Oftentimes the lifter will get stuck in place. More problems when a lifter gets stuck or fixed in the wrong position it bends the pushrod. If the pushrod is bent, this can result in engine failure.
Typically, the engines will do the following if you have the GM Lifter Defect
Tapping or ticking sound in the engine
Knocking or banging noises in the engine
Misfires, shuddering or low of power
Complete engine shutdown or failure
Check Engine Light
What you can do for relief from your GM Lemon?
If you are like many GM owners who consistently experience the engine issues mentioned in your Chevrolet or GMC car or truck, you may be entitled to compensation under the California Lemon Law
Compensation may include a complete repurchase of your defective vehicle, a replacement, or substantial cash reimbursement for damage the vehicle has already suffered due to the defect.
If you’re in California and if your GM car or truck has a lifter, engine or transmission defect call us at 424-299-4447 or complete free lemon law case evaluation form!